Russia-NATO Standonff Will Continue in 2016, But Military Conflict Unlikely

Stratfor, an American global intelligence company, stated that the crisis between Russia and the Western states was "central in shaping the global system for the past two years," adding that it was likely to remain in place next year, "though the levels of conflict and potential cooperation will wax and wane from issue to issue."

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Although the shooting war between Russian and NATO does not seem realistic, they will continue enhancing their military capabilities, the US-based Stratfor geopolitical intelligence firm said Tuesday in its annual forecast for 2016.

"There will be no direct military conflict between Russian and NATO forces, but both sides will build up deterrence capabilities and shore up their respective security alliances," the think tank said.

NATO has been building up its presence in eastern Europe since Crimea's reunification with Russia in March 2014, in response to what it terms as Moscow's aggressive foreign policy. Russia has warned that the bloc's heightened activities near its borders undermines regional stability.